How to Stick with the Atkins Diet Over the Holidays

If this is your first holiday season on the Atkins Diet, you'll need to be well-prepared for the festivities with a sensible eating plan. The Atkins Diet continues to be a popular choice for dieters around the world, an attempt to reduce and even eliminate carbohydrates and stick with protein from high-fat meats and other sources instead. The holidays are a testing moment for many Atkins lovers-the assortment of baked goods, breads, potatoes, and other high-carb items can quickly turn an Atkins dieter off track. If you're looking for ways to stay strong and commit to your high-protein eating plan this holiday season, here are a few tips to help you stay on the plan and lose some weight before the New Year even begins:

1. Head for the turkey carving station. Turkey is full of protein and virtually carb-free when you skip the stuffing. If you want to cut back on fat as well, stick to white meat instead of dark, and remove the skin whenever possible.

2. Enjoy your holiday ham. Ham is a great source of protein for Atkins dieters, and can help you stay on track. Just make sure to skip the glaze since it's usually loaded with sugar; you'll also need to say ‘no' to bread and potatoes and can pick a few low-carb vegetables and other sides instead.

3. Load up on seafood. Seafood choices abound at most holiday buffet tables, and you can choose from a wide selection of shrimp, calamari, and filets of tuna or salmon when you're on Atkins.

4. Enjoy some roast beef. Roast beef is very common at the holiday table, and you can enjoy some gourmet cuts of beef as part of your diet. Just remember to skip the sauce and potatoes, and you'll be set with a protein-packed meal.

5. Skip the gravy. Most gravy is full of flour, sugar, and other high-carb ingredients that can sabotage your diet. Skip the gravy and look for a relish, pickles, or other condiments to add some flavor to your meat.

6. Head for the cheese plate. Cheese is allowed on the Atkins diet, and the holiday season is perfect for exploring cheese boards from around the world. Enjoy European meats and cheese and just skip the bread and crackers to keep it Atkins-friendly.

7. Skip the bean casserole. Atkins dieters need to be cautious about beans and legumes, and you'll need to avoid any salads or casseroles that contain kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, or other legumes.

8. Pass on the eggnog. Atkins dieters are allowed dairy products, but they're limited to cream, butter, and cheese. Eggnog made with milk and sugar can quickly take your diet off track.

9. Bring your own dessert. Make your own pumpkin pie using Splenda or other sugar substitute so you can enjoy some sweet treats without the guilt.

The holidays are a challenging time to stick with your Atkins diet, but a little strategy is all it take sot keep up with the basics. Head for the meat and cheese station as often as possible, and enjoy the assortment of gourmet treats. Just remember you can always bring your own dish if you think there won't be something diet-friendly available.